Salmond: Bid to remove Bercow will fizzle out like gunpowder plot
Alex Salmond has compared the attempt to remove Commons Speaker John Bercow to the gunpowder plot – adding it will also “fizzle out”.
The SNP MP referred to the 1605 conspiracy to blow up parliament, which involved Guy Fawkes, as he defended Mr Bercow.
The Speaker became embroiled in the row over Theresa May’s decision to offer a state visit to Donald Trump after he effectively banned the US president from addressing MPS and peers during his visit. A motion of no confidence in Mr Bercow has since been tabled.
Speaking as MPS debated petitions for and against the state visit, Mr Salmond said: “Since it has already been mentioned in this debate, to actually allow this process to be the pretext for another assault on the Speaker is beyond madness in this place.
“The gunpowder plot, this new one, will fizzle out just as surely as the last one did.
“What we should demand from Mr Speaker is fairness to all parts of the House, the ability for all people to be heard...”
Conservative MP Charles Walker, chairing the debate, intervened to note the issue was not on topic. Former Scottish first minister Mr Salmond added that MPS wouldn’t allow Mr Bercow “to be removed on this issue”.